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Replay confirms two calls against Mariners in opener

4/21/14: Mike Zunino hits a ball to left that is ruled foul in the 7th and, after a crew chief review, the call is confirmed as a foul ball

By Adam Lewis
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MLB.com |

SEATTLE -- Two rulings were confirmed via Major League Baseball's instant-replay process Monday night in the Mariners' 7-2 series-opening loss to the Astros at Safeco Field.

Leading off the bottom of the seventh inning with the Mariners trailing, 6-2, Seattle catcher Mike Zunino launched a 2-1 sinker from reliever Chad Qualls into the area above the bleachers down the left-field line. The ball curled over the foul pole, sailing just foul and landing in the upper deck.

Third-base umpire Marcus Pattillo initially ruled it foul before Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon asked for it be reviewed under Major League Baseball's instant-replay guidelines.

After a short deliberation in which umpires conferred with MLB replay headquarters in New York, the foul-ball ruling was confirmed. Zunino struck out swinging on the next pitch.

With one out in the eighth and Robinson Cano on first, designated hitter Corey Hart hit a ground ball into the gap on the left side of the infield. Houston shortstop Jonathan Villar ranged to his right and threw wide to second base as a covering Jose Altuve stretched to keep his foot on the bag.

Needing only a force, Cano was ruled out before he reached second, though it looked as if Altuve's foot might have come off the bag. McClendon came out of the dugout and asked for another review. The call was confirmed, then Justin Smoak struck out to end the inning.

Adam Lewis is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.